Parkgoers describe masked gunman, Summit County SWAT after manhunt; Shelter-in-place lifted

Source: https://www.cleveland19.com

UNIONTOWN, Ohio (WOIO) - Authorities in Stark County issued a shelter-in-place order for their residents Saturday afternoon.

The Uniontown Police Department on Saturday advised everyone in the area of Uniontown Community Park, Apollo Street, and Moonglo Street to stay inside and lock the doors.

UPD says a white man with a dark hoodie and mask is on foot with a firearm, and Summit County SWAT were in the area.

The Summit County Sheriff's Office said they are still on the lookout for the man but have called off the search.

Authorities cleared Uniontown of the shelter-in-place order Saturday evening.

Ron Whitmer was at Uniontown Community Park with his family setting up for his one-year-old grandson's birthday party around noon when the suspect allegedly threatened someone.

The man had a mask on his face according to police, and was armed with a gun.

"My wife ran through the building saying there's a man with a gun, hide, hide, hide," said Whitmer.

Whitmer says within a matter of seconds they went from preparing for a celebration to protecting themselves from a potential threat.

"We tried to barricade the doors. We made sure my daughter who has the one-year-old and the other girl into a secure room," Whitmer said. "Three adults were holding the doors because they were not locked from the outside."

The birthday party that was supposed to begin at 1 p.m. was delayed by hours as Uniontown Police and the Summit County SWAT team searched for the gunman in the heavily wooded park.

"It was disconcerting seeing that many officers with that kind of weaponry," said Whitmer. "But it was required, right? At that point, we sheltered in place for quite a while. The party was supposed to start at 1 p.m. and ended up starting at 4:30 p.m. It was quite an ordeal. Yeah, it's not a birthday party we'll soon forget."

Uniontown Police and the Summit County SWAT team conducted an extensive search that included the community of Green.

At this point, the suspect has not been arrested. Police urge anyone with information to call 911 immediately.

While police supplied a photo of the suspect, they did not provide his name or what potential charges he faces.

19 News has reached out to the Summit County Sheriff's Office for more details.